Flip-top cap with warranty seal for pouches

ABSTRACT

A flip-top cap for pouches includes a skirt, a tube, a main surface, at least one warranty window on the main surface, equipped with hooking elements, a closure hinged to the skirt, and at least one warranty hook attached to the closure by at least one breakable element. In a closed configuration of the cap, the warranty hook is inserted through the warranty window and, to pass into an open configuration, the warranty hook engages with coupling elements and the breakable element and encounters breakage due to a resistance exerted by the coupling elements.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is the 35 U.S.C. § 371 national stage application of PCT application PCT/M2018/060194, filed Dec. 17, 2018, where the PCT claims the priority to and benefit of Italian Patent Application No. 102018000001718, filed Jan. 24, 2018 both of which are herein incorporated by reference in their entireties.

FILED OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of plastic caps and, in particular, to “flip top” caps, which may be easily opened, for example, with a movement of the thumb.

In particular, the present invention provides for the application of a flip-top cap to the spout of a flexible thin-walled bag, usually called a “pouch”.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Even for such pouches, there is a need to make tampering or the first opening of the cap visible, through the use of a warranty seal, usually called a “tamper-evident seal”.

For this type of cap, however, known warranty seals have some drawbacks, as they very often make opening particularly difficult.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The object of the present invention is to create a flip-top cap that overcomes the above-mentioned drawbacks and at the same time satisfies the requirements of the sector.

Such object is achieved by a flip-top cap as described and claimed herein. Advantageous embodiments of the invention are also described.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The features and advantages of the flip-top cap according to the present invention will be apparent from the description given below, provided by way of non-limiting example, in accordance with the accompanying figures, wherein:

FIGS. 1a and 1b show a flip-top cap according to an embodiment of the present invention, in a fully open configuration;

FIGS. 2a and 2b represent the flip-top cap of FIGS. 1a and 1b , in a partially open configuration;

FIGS. 3a and 3b show the flip-top cap of FIGS. 1a and 1b in a closed configuration;

FIG. 4 shows a plan view of the flip-top cap of FIGS. 1a and 1 b;

FIG. 5 shows a first side view of the flip-top cap of FIG. 4 (hinge side);

FIG. 6 represents a second side view of the flip-top cap of FIG. 4 (warranty hook side);

FIG. 7 shows an enlargement of the detail VII of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 shows a section of the flip-top cap, according to the sectional plane VIII-VIII of FIG. 4;

FIG. 9 shows an enlargement of the detail IX of FIG. 8;

FIG. 10 represents the flip-top cap in an initial configuration of first closure;

FIGS. 11a to 11d schematically show a succession of steps from the first closure to the first opening of the flip-top cap according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

With reference to the accompanying figures, a flip-top cap suitable to be applied to a spout of a thin-walled flexible bag, known as a “pouch”, is indicated collectively at 1.

Preferably, the flip-top cap 1 comprises a skirt 2, consisting of a tubular skirt wall 4.

In a predefined angular position, said skirt 2 has an underlying region 6, for example rectangular, preferably provided with a succession of straight ridges, so that touching with the thumb indicates the correct position for opening.

The flip-top cap 1 further comprises a flat main reference surface 8, typically placed at the top of the skirt 2, and a tube 10 protruding from said main surface 8 along a main axis X. The main surface 8 lies on an imaginary plane orthogonal to the main axis X.

The main surface 8 may have a rhomboidal shape, that is, wider in the central portion where the tube 10 is placed and tapered laterally to the tube towards rounded vertices. Correspondingly, the skirt 2 also has a rhomboidal cross-section that resembles the shape of the main surface.

The tube 10 comprises a tubular tube wall 12, for example frustoconical, ending with a tube edge 14, typically circular, which delimits the mouth 16 of said tube 10.

Preferably, the flip-top cap 1 further comprises a tube extension 11, which extends axially below the main surface 8, as an extension of said tube 10, inside the skirt wall 4.

The flip-top cap 1 further comprises a tubular connection portion 13, having an axial extension, arranged inside the tubular skirt wall 4 and radially spaced therefrom; the tubular connection portion 13 is internally threaded and is continuously connected to the tube 10.

A gap 15 is therefore created between the tubular connection portion 13 and the tubular skirt wall 4, which, when the cap is applied to the spout, is closed at the bottom by a portion of the spout.

By means of the tubular connection portion 13, the flip-top cap 1 may be screwed to the spout of the flexible pouch to create a fluidic continuity between the spout and the tube 10.

According to an alternative embodiment, the tube is threaded internally and may be screwed to the spout of the flexible pouch.

The flip-top cap 1 further comprises at least one warranty window 20 a, 20 b on the main surface 8, through or blind, arranged in a predefined angular position around the tube 10.

According to the illustrated embodiment, the flip-top cap 1 has a first warranty window 20 a and a second warranty window 20 b, arranged diametrically opposite relative to the tube 10.

The warranty windows 20 a, 20 b are flanked by the tube 10, each in its respective tapered portion of the main tapered surface 8.

Each warranty window 20 a, 20 b comprises a warranty tab 22 suitable for making a coupling for a corresponding warranty hook, which will be described hereinafter.

In other words, the warranty tab 22 is an example of embodiment of coupling elements suitable for making a coupling for a warranty hook.

For such purpose, said warranty tab 22 comprises a tab wall 24 protruding from the edge of the warranty window 20 a, 20 b, inclined towards the inside of the warranty window 20 a, 20 b, so as to form a guide for entrance of said warranty hook and a hook that opposes escape of the warranty hook.

The flip-top cap 1 further comprises a closure 30 to close the mouth 16 of the tube 10.

The closure 30 comprises a cover 32 suitable to overlap the tube 10, inside of which there is arranged a tubular tang 34 suitable to penetrate in the tube 10 through the mouth 16, so as to close it tightly.

When the closure 30 closes the tube 10, the tang 34 is coaxial with the tube 10 along the main axis X.

The cover 32 comprises a cover wall 35 having at its base an annular cover edge 36, having, for example, a shape corresponding to that of the main surface 8. When the closure 30 closes the tube 10, the cover edge 36 rests on the main surface 8.

Preferably, said closure 30 comprises an opening ridge 38, protruding externally from the cover 32, in a predefined angular position of the cover edge 36.

When the closure 30 closes the tube 10, the opening ridge 38 overlaps the underlying region 6 of the skirt 2.

The flip-top cap 1 further comprises a hinge 40 for hinging the closure 30 with the skirt 2.

Said hinge 40 comprises at least one shank 42 a, 42 b that joins the skirt 2 to the cover 32.

Said shank 42 a, 42 b preferably has two parts: a first shank part 44 joined to the skirt 2 and a second shank part 46 joined to the cover 32; said parts are joined together so as to form a bendable knee.

For example, in the illustrated embodiment, a first shank 42 a and a second shank 42 b, spaced apart from each other, are arranged in the rear area of the flip-top cap 1, i.e. on the side opposite to the opening ridge 38.

Preferably, the flip-top cap 1 further comprises elastic elements adapted to bring the closure 30 towards a closed configuration.

Said elastic elements comprise a sheet 50, preferably placed between the first and second shanks 42 a, 42 b of the hinge 40, which is elastically deformable and connected to the skirt 2 and the cover 32, so as to push the closure 30 towards the closed configuration.

Said elastic elements, according to a preferred embodiment, are also suitable to bring the closure 30 into a fully open configuration when said closure 30 is beyond an angular limit closing position.

In other words, when the closure 30 is moved beyond the angular closing limit position, said sheet 50 automatically bends backwards, bringing the closure 30 into the fully open configuration.

Preferably, said angular limit closing position corresponds to an inclination of 45° of the closure with respect to the main surface 8.

The flip-top cap 1 further comprises at least one warranty hook 60, 70 joined, in an unopened cap configuration, to the cover 32 of the closure 30, and in particular protruding from the cover edge 36.

The warranty hook 60, 70 is joined to the cover 32 by breakable elements 62, 72, for example in the form of very thin feet, which join the warranty hook 60, 70 to the cover edge 36 or to blocks 64, 74 joined to the cover 32.

In the illustrated embodiment, a first warranty hook 60 and a second warranty hook 70, arranged diametrically opposed, are provided.

Each warranty hook 60, 70 is joined to the cover 32 by means of three breakable elements 62, 72, protruding from three blocks 64, 74 joined to the cover 32 at the cover edge 36.

Preferably, said blocks 64, 74 are accommodated in a respective loop 66, 76 formed by the cover wall 35 of the cover 32.

For example, in the embodiment illustrated, the cover wall 35 is shaped so as to form a first loop 66, which accommodates the first warranty hook 60, and a second loop 76, which accommodates the second warranty hook 70; said loops 66, 76 are diametrically opposed, for example, obtained at the tapered portions of the main rhomboidal surface 8.

The warranty hook 60, 70 is suitable to pass through the respective warranty window 20 a, 20 b and to snap into place with the respective warranty tab 22.

The flip-top cap 1 is made of a single piece of plastic material, by means of injection molding, in the completely open initial configuration.

Once the pouch is filled, the cap is applied to the pouch; alternatively, the cap is first closed and then applied to the pouch.

During the first closure of the cap (FIG. 11a ), the warranty hook 60, 70 passes through the respective warranty window 20 a, 20 b, the insertion thereof being made easier by the shape of the warranty tab 22.

The warranty tab 22 is flexible and bends by the action of the warranty hook 60, 70 (FIG. 11b ), until the warranty hook 60, 70 has penetrated sufficiently to release the warranty tab 22 (FIG. 11c ).

The warranty tab 22 thus returns to its original shape and forms a coupling able to engage the warranty hook 60, 70.

When the cap is first opened (FIG. 11d ), the warranty hook 60, 70 tries to exit through the warranty window 20 a, 20 b, but the warranty tab 22 constitutes an obstacle.

A suitable action on the closure 30 causes further rotation of the flip-top cap 1, until the continuity between the warranty hook 60, 70 and the cover 32 breaks, due, for example, to breakage of the breakable elements 62, 72.

In other words, while the closure 30 moves into the opening configuration, the breakable elements 62, 72 break, and the warranty hook 60, 70 remains engaged with the warranty tab 22.

The opening of the cap remains very evident to any user.

In particular, the warranty hook 60, 70 remains confined in the gap 15 formed between the tubular connection portion 13 and the tubular skirt wall 4 and, being detached from the cover 32 that supported it, tends to fall by gravity along said gap 15, which is closed at the bottom by the spout portion. On the other hand, at the top the warranty flap 22 acts as an obstacle preventing the warranty hook 60, 70 from escaping through the warranty window 20 a, 20 b.

Innovatively, the flip-top cap according to the present invention overcomes the drawbacks mentioned with reference to the known art. In particular, the warranty seal allows tampering or the first opening of the cap to be seen, without making the cap difficult to open.

It is apparent that one skilled in the art, in order to meet contingent needs, may make changes to the cap described above, without departing from the scope of protection as described and claimed herein. 

1. A flip-top cap for thin-walled flexible bags, generally known as pouches, the flip-top cap comprising: a skirt consisting of a tubular skirt wall; a tube having a central main axis (X), comprising a tubular tube wall defining a mouth; a main surface orthogonal to the central main axis (X), said tube axially protruding from the main surface; at least one warranty window on said main surface, provided with hooking elements; a closure hinged to said skirt to rotate about a hinge axis (Y) orthogonal to the central main axis (X), suitable to close said mouth of the tube; at least one warranty hook, integral with the closure by at least one breakable element; a tubular connection portion, having axial extension, arranged inside the tubular skirt wall and radially spaced therefrom, between the tubular connection portion and the tubular skirt wall creating a gap accessible at the top through said at least one warranty window; wherein, in a closed configuration of the flip-top cap, said at least one warranty hook is inserted through the at least one warranty window; and to switch to an open configuration, said at least one warranty hook engages with said hooking elements and said at least one breakable element, encounters breakage due to a resistance exerted by said hooking elements, and remains confined in the gap.
 2. The flip-top cap of claim 1, wherein said at least one warranty hook, in an unopened cap configuration, protrudes from a free cover edge of a cover of the closure.
 3. The flip-top cap of claim 2, wherein a first warranty hook and a second warranty hook are provided, arranged diametrically opposite to the tube.
 4. The flip-top cap of claim 1, wherein said hooking elements comprise at least one warranty tab projecting inside said at least one warranty window.
 5. The flip-top cap of claim 4, wherein said at least one warranty tab is flexible to allow snap engagement with the at least one warranty hook at a first closure of the flip-top cap.
 6. The flip-top cap of claim 4, wherein, in an opening configuration, said at least one warranty tab is suitable to create an obstacle to release of the at least one warranty hook from the gap through the at least one warranty window.
 7. The flip-top cap of claim 1, wherein the skirt has externally, in a predefined angular position, an underlying region detectable by touch.
 8. The flip-top cap of claim 7, wherein the closure comprises an opening ridge in a predefined angular position, such that, in the closed configuration, said opening ridge overlaps said underlying region.
 9. The flip-top cap of claim 1, wherein the closure comprises a tubular tang adapted to penetrate into the tube through the mouth to close it tightly.
 10. The flip-top cap of claim 1, further comprising a hinge for hinging the closure with the skirt wherein said hinge comprises at least one shank joining the skirt to the closure, wherein said at least one shank has two parts: a first shank part joined to the skirt and a second shank part joined to the closure, said first and second shank parts being joined together to form a bendable knee.
 11. The flip-top cap of claim 10, wherein a first shank and a second shank are provided, spaced from each other.
 12. The flip-top cap of claim 1, further comprising elastic elements adapted to bring the closure towards the closed configuration.
 13. The flip-top cap of claim 12, wherein said elastic elements comprise a sheet, elastically deformable and connected to the skirt and to the closure, so as to push the closure towards the closed configuration.
 14. The flip-top cap of claim 12, wherein said elastic elements are also adapted to bring the closure into a fully open configuration, when said closure is beyond an angular limit closing position.
 15. The flip-top cap of claim 14, wherein said angular limit closing position corresponds to an inclination of 45° of the closure with respect to the main surface.
 16. An assembly comprising: a thin-walled flexible bag, generally known as a pouch, provided with a spout; and a flip-top cap comprising: a skirt consisting of a tubular skirt wall; a tube having a central main axis (X), comprising a tubular tube wall defining a mouth: a main surface orthogonal to the central main axis (X), said tube axially protruding from the main surface; at least one warranty window on said main surface, provided with hooking elements; a closure hinged to said skirt to rotate about a hinge axis (Y) orthogonal to the central main axis (X), suitable to close said mouth of the tube; at least one warranty hook, integral with the closure by at least one breakable element; a tubular connection portion, having axial extension, arranged inside the tubular skirt wall and radially spaced therefrom, between the tubular connection portion and the tubular skirt wall creating a gap accessible at the top through said at least one warranty window; wherein, in a closed configuration of the flip-top cap, said at least one warranty hook is inserted through the at least one warranty window; and to switch to an open configuration, said at least one warranty hook engages with said hooking elements and said at least one breakable element, encounters breakage due to a resistance exerted by said hooking elements, and remains confined in the gap, said flip-top cap being applied to the pouch.
 17. The assembly of claim 16, wherein the flip-top cap is screwable onto the spout.
 18. An assembly comprising: a spout; a flip-top cap comprising: a skirt consisting of a tubular skirt wall; a tube having a central main axis (X), comprising a tubular tube wall defining a mouth; a main surface orthogonal to the central main axis (X), said tube axially protruding from the main surface; at least one warranty window on said main surface, provided with hooking elements; a closure hinged to said skirt to rotate about a hinge axis (Y) orthogonal to the central main axis (X), suitable to close said mouth of the tube; at least one warranty hook, integral with the closure by at least one breakable element; a tubular connection portion, having axial extension, arranged inside the tubular skirt wall and radially spaced therefrom, between the tubular connection portion and the tubular skirt wall creating a gap accessible at the top through said at least one warranty window; wherein, in a closed configuration of the flip-top cap, said at least one warranty hook is inserted through the at least one warranty window; and to switch to an open configuration, said at least one warranty hook engages with said hooking elements and said at least one breakable element, encounters breakage due to a resistance exerted by said hooking elements, and remains confined in the gap, the flip-top cap being applied to the spout; wherein the gap is closed at the bottom by a portion of the spout. 